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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my community gazette about the World Air Guitar Competition, held annually every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the very first contest starting from 1996 – my mother gave out flyers, my father organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been staged globally, with the champions gathering in Oulu every summer.

Initially, I requested permission if I could enter. At first they were hesitant; the competition was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, acting out to the iconic rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My parents were lovers of music – dad loved The Boss and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the lead guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my inspiration.

Upon entering the spotlight, I played my set to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The audience started yelling “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it struck me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I made it to the finals, competing to a large audience in the public plaza, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

Later I paused. I was a referee one year, and opened for the show once more, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, experimented with various stage names, but people kept calling me “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and make “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve reached the finals every year since 2022, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to claim victory this year.

The worldwide group is like a family. The saying we live by is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It may seem funny, but it’s a true ethos.

The event is competitive but uplifting. Competitors have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, precise mimicry, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators rate you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. When it's a draw, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I selected an Avenged Sevenfold song for my act. I had it on repeat for weeks. I stretched constantly, trying to get my limbs prepared enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to mimic solos and my upper body ready for those bends and jumps. By the time the big day came, I could feel the song in my being.

When the show concluded, the results were tallied, and I had matched with the winner from Japan, the Japanese titleholder – it was moment for an final showdown. We faced off to the Guns N’ Roses hit by Guns N’ Roses. As the music started, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and primarily I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d triumphed, the venue exploded.

The moment is hazy. I think I blacked out from surprise. Then everyone started performing the classic tune Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their arms. Justin Howard – alias his performer title – a former champion and one of my best pals, was embracing me. I cried. I was the first Finnish air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The earlier winner from Finland, Markus “Black Raven” Vainionpää, was also present. He bestowed upon me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a family. Our guiding saying is “Make air, not war”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from all over the world, and each person is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, every competitor shows support. Then for one minute you’re free to be uninhibited, humorous, the ultimate music icon in the world.

Additionally, I am a drummer and musician in a band with my sibling called the group title, referencing the football manager, as we’re inspired by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been working in bars for a couple of years, and I direct independent videos and performance clips. The victory hasn’t altered my routine significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I aspire it brings more innovative opportunities. My hometown will be a designated cultural center the coming year, so there are great prospects.

For now, I’m just thankful: for the network, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who found a story and thought, “I want to do that.”